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Early Childhood Teaching (ECT) qualification
Key facts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
If you are inspired to teach young children, Deakin’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education provides you with the opportunity to explore early childhood education curriculum theories and pedagogies, child development, health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, professional studies as well as teaching and learning in discipline areas of literacy, mathematics, science, and the arts.
You’ll undertake professional placements through Deakin’s Professional Experience Program gaining both practical knowledge and skills to teach children aged birth to 5-years. By experiencing learning across a range of early childhood and education settings will ensure, you graduate equipped with foundation knowledge and gain confidence to meet the significant growth of the Australian early childhood education sector.
Do you want to start your journey to becoming an early childhood educator?
Fast-track your way to becoming an early childhood teacher with this three-year degree. You may additionally be eligible for an attractive scholarship offered by the Victorian Department of Education and Training for pre-service teachers enrolled in early childhood teaching courses.
Deakin maintains close links with the education sector to ensure our courses are developed and reviewed with professional input. You’ll be taught by experts who have teaching experience and who are recognised as leaders and innovators in their fields. This means you can be confident that what you learn with us will be relevant to your future teaching career.
The Professional Experience Program is a key part of every Deakin teaching student’s course experience. Working with more than 1400 early childhood centres and schools across Australia, we’ll arrange at least 80-days of placements for you in early childhood education and care settings where you will learn from experienced early childhood teachers.
Choose to study via our premium online learning platform and have the additional flexibility to balance work, life, and study. Studying online is collaborative and engaging, while still allowing you to complete your studies when and where it suits you.
Additionally, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an early childhood teaching qualification in Australia* and provides students with an approved pathway from the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (previously Diploma of Children’s Services) offered through TAFE. Eligible students may receive up to 8 credit points of recognition for prior learning towards their degree.
Looking to enhance your early childhood education career? You may be eligible for the Accelerated Employment Based Pathway, which supports you to continue working while you study the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Early childhood educators with an approved diploma-level qualification can now apply to complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at the same time as working in an early childhood setting. You’ll receive extra support within early childhood services, including mentorship and time release for study, helping you to complete your degree in just 1.5 years.^
*This course is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an early childhood teaching qualification in Australia. Graduates of this course who are intending to apply for registration in Victoria or interstate may be required to provide further information.
^To complete the course in 1.5 years it must be taken over 4 consecutive trimesters with compulsory study in Trimester 3.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400511183 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- E333
- CRICOS code?
- 102806B Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, students must complete 24 credit points comprising:
- 24 credit points of core units;
- Academic Integrity Module DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- A maximum of 10 credit points at Level 1
- A minimum of 6 credit points at Level 3 or above
This course includes 80-days of supervised professional experience.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute.
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing placements.
International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.
Mandatory student checks
Students will be required to hold a valid Working with Children (WWC) Check prior to undertaking professional placements as part of this course. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.
Interstate applicants must check the requirements and meet all conditions for undertaking professional experience in schools for their state or territory before undertaking professional experience placements as part of this course.
Inherent requirements
It is expected that all students will be able to abide by, and ensure their behaviour is in accordance with the Victorian Institute of Teaching Code of Conduct.
Immunisations
Immunisation and/or vaccination requirements will be communicated by the Professional Experience Office in line with the Department of Education and Training's directions at the time of placement.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience Office.
Workload
Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period for each credit point undertaking required teaching, learning and assessment activities.
Participation requirements
Professional Experience Placements are a compulsory component of the course and a requirement for registration as a graduate teacher. Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Students are required to check the placement calendars published on the Professional Experience Office website each year. Placement takes priority over employment and placement periods are generally block placements of 5 full-time days per week over 2-5 weeks.
Course delivery is blended and students are required to dedicate time to weekly engagement with located or online teaching and learning activities and resources. This is recommended at combined total 8-10 hours per week per unit including active learning/engagement either face to face or online, and independent study.
Some units will require students to attend early childhood settings or institutions for site-based learning and teaching experiences.
Work experience
Successful Applicants are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to undertaking professional experience placements in education settings, as part of this course. For more information see: https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Students will satisfactorily complete 80-days of supervised professional experience placement in a wide range of education and care settings and a 5-day observational experience in infant and toddler education and care settings across their degree, as outlined below:
Year 1: 5-days in infant and toddler education and care settings (observational)
Year 2: 1 x 20 & 1 x 25 (45-days) in kindergarten settings
Year 3: 20-days in infant and toddler education and care settings, 15-days in kindergarten or foundation (primary school) settings
The School of Education Professional Experience Office makes all arrangements for students’ placements.
For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience office.
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Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: one of Maths: Further Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics*
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
* From 2025 Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths; General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: Maths (any)
ATAR
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent.
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
You are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years, or have not met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- full or partial completion of a Diploma of Education and Care (or equivalent)
- full completion of an Australian higher education award (or equivalent) e.g. certificate IV level or higher.
You are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years, or have not met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
* You will need to meet all of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice
You are required to complete the STAT Multiple Choice if you have not completed year 12 or studied in the last five years, or have not met the mathematics prerequisites.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 35 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education provides an approved pathway from the Diploma of Early Childhood Education (Previously Diploma of Children’s Services) offered through TAFE. Applicants who have completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education may receive 8 credit points of Recognition of prior learning, gaining entry into the course in the second year.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Apply now
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Pathways for credit are available for this course. Details of institutional credit agreements are published in the RPL database. International students can apply for packaged offers for some of these pathways.
Applicants who have completed a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent) are eligible to receive 8 Credit Points, gaining entry into the course in the second year.
Careers
Career outcomes
There is an increasing demand for qualified early childhood teachers, with the workforce set to double in the next 10-years. Graduates are qualified to work in early childhood settings as early childhood teachers, educational leaders, coordinators, or advisers. Graduates may also find employment opportunities in:
- consultancy
- NGOs
- policy
- research or community-based organisations (e.g. museums, outdoor education, arts institutions, etc)
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
This program is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an early childhood teaching qualification in Australia. Graduates of this course will be eligible to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Graduates who are intending to apply for registration interstate may be required to provide further information. Interstate applicants are advised to check the registration requirements in their state or territory carefully.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Analyse and apply principles and practices relevant to curriculum, policy and regulations in early childhood and primary school education with in-depth knowledge and evaluation of theoretical underpinning. |
| Communication | Effectively evaluate and select communication skills (oral, written, digital and nonverbal) to professionally transmit knowledge and ideas with diverse individuals and groups (such as children, families, parents and caregivers, colleagues and other professionals, community organisations). |
| Digital literacy | Critically evaluate and apply a range of technologies to collect, analyse, synthesise, evaluate, generate and transmit information for the purposes of appropriate teaching and learning in a rapidly changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and evaluate contemporary issues, policies and research in educational and societal contexts to generate and transmit informed judgements to complex situations relating to teaching and learning. |
| Problem solving | Use analytical and practical skills to make well developed judgements, generate and transmit creative, innovative and authentic solutions to real-life and complex problems encountered when working with diverse individuals and groups (such as children, families, parents and caregivers, colleagues and other professionals, community organisations). |
| Self-management | Critically reflect on planning, problem-solving and decision making in teaching and learning contexts. Use initiative and autonomy to apply analytic knowledge and critical reflective skills to demonstrate responsibility for own learning and professional practice (and in collaboration with others). |
| Teamwork | Actively and collaboratively participate in learning communities, involving learners, families, community members, colleagues and the broader profession. |
| Global citizenship | Adapt and apply knowledge and skills that support the diversity of Australian society in the professional context. This includes influences of Indigenous and intercultural issues, family contexts, gender and disability on development, learning and teaching. |
| Approved by Faculty Board 2020 | |
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Footnotes
* U.S. News & World Report, Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2022–2023